Big Health’s Post

💛 HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH 💛 February is Black History Month, which acknowledges the hardships and triumphs of the black community in the United States and worldwide. We want to especially highlight the importance of black mental health, with s****de being the 3rd leading cause of death among African Americans 10-24 years old in 2021. Often, this can be due to not seeking help out of fear of racial discrimination and medical bias. Please join us in emphasizing that #blackmentalhealthmatters. The prioritization of black mental health support — and research — could help save lives. -- Statistics source: https://rb.gy/b2veo5 #blackhistorymonth #mentalhealth

Black History Month, celebrated in February each year, is a time to recognize the central role Black and African Americans have played in the United States in both the past and the present and to recognize and celebrate their achievements. Mental illness affects one in four Americans. However, Black Americans are disproportionately more likely to experience mental health issues and social stigma. Historical adversity, which includes slavery, sharecropping, and race-based exclusion from health, educational, social, and economic resources, translates into socioeconomic disparities experienced by Black Americans today. Learning about the history of systemic racism during Black History Month - and all year - in the mental health system and movement and how it harms Black communities in the US and around the world is key to creating a mentally healthier world. Mental Health America has put together a non-exhaustive list of Black and African mental health resources: https://lnkd.in/gamQmaj #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackMentalHealthMatters

🌟 Celebrating Freedom and Resilience this Juneteenth 🌟 Today, we honor Juneteenth, a significant day that marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. This day is not only a celebration of freedom but also a powerful reminder of resilience, strength, and the ongoing journey towards equality and justice. As we commemorate this important day, let’s also acknowledge the profound impact that historical and systemic injustices have had on mental health within the Black community. The scars of the past continue to affect many, and it’s crucial that we recognize, support, and uplift one another. 🤝 Here are some ways we can honor Juneteenth while promoting mental well-being: 1️⃣ Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the history of Juneteenth and the experiences of African Americans. 2️⃣ Understanding history is a step towards healing. Support Black Mental Health: Highlight and utilize resources like therapy directories focused on Black mental health professionals. 3️⃣ Practice Self-Care: Take time to reflect, rest, and recharge. Self-care is a powerful act of resistance and healing. 4️⃣ Engage in Community: Participate in local Juneteenth events and connect with your community. Shared experiences foster strength and solidarity. 5️⃣ Advocate for Change: Use your voice to advocate for systemic changes that support mental health equity and justice for all. Let’s stand together in solidarity, honoring the past, embracing the present, and striving for a future where mental health and freedom are celebrated for everyone. ✊🏾💚🖤❤️ #Juneteenth #MentalHealthMatters #BlackMentalHealth #Resilience #Freedom #CommunityHealing #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealth #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthresource #mindfulness #selfcare

Today marks the beginning of Black History Month! This month we honor and celebrate the achievements, history, and culture of Black Americans who have made significant contributions to society despite facing centuries of discrimination and racism. It is also a time to shine the light on the state of mental health for Black Americans. While not everyone’s experience is the same, there are some commonalities within the Black community that play a role in defining the mental health landscape for Black individuals. Overall, while Black people suffer from mental health conditions at about the same frequency as White Americans, members of the Black community often face structural and cultural challenges accessing the care and treatment they need. It is imperative that Black communities have access to culturally competent and effective mental health solutions, and that they feel comfortable getting help. Let’s continue working towards improved mental health resources and support for Black Americans. #mentalhealth #blackhistorymonth

🌟 Exploring the Crucial "Material Connection" in the Lives of Black Men 🌟 In the field of mental health, understanding and addressing the material factors impacting the lives of Black men is not just a profession for me; it's deeply personal. I grew up in a low-income Black family that struggled to pay rent and afford food. Both of my parents had full-time jobs, and still, financial struggles were a constant presence in our lives. My family relied on public transportation 🚌, the Goodwill thrift store 🛍️, and TV dinners & instant ramen 🍽️. These were not just financial choices; they were daily realities. I also grew up on free and reduced lunch at school 🏫, a lifeline that I know many Black children and their families depend on. 📚🍎 These personal experiences have shaped my perspective and my commitment to this work as a therapist. I understand that material challenges, such as poverty and its associated stresses, are not abstract concepts but tangible hardships that impact the mental health of Black men and their families. 🤝🌆 🔹 Ethical Principles for Empowering Black Men 🔹 Three pivotal ethical principles, influenced by my own experiences, guide my approach to rectifying material imbalances for Black men: 1.      Propriety: I understand the unique circumstances and needs of Black men, given our own personal experiences with economic hardship. I provide care that not only acknowledges material challenges but also maintains awareness of Black and African-centered roots. 🌍🤲 2.      Reciprocity: Collaboration and partnership are not just words; they are the foundation of my practice. I work alongside Black men, fostering their empowerment and agency in their mental health journey. 🙌🤝 3.      Justice: My commitment to social justice is fueled by the experiences of our own families and communities. 🌍💚 Understanding and addressing the "Material Connection" in the lives of Black men is not just a professional mission; it's my personal responsibility I carry. Let's work together to improve the mental health and well-being of Black men 💪🌍💙 #MaterialConnection #BlackMen #MentalHealth #EthicalPractice #PersonalExperience #AfricanCenteredTherapy #HolisticHealing #MentalHealthMatters #BlackMenMentalHealth

Black History Month is a time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the contributions of Black individuals and communities throughout history. When considering the intersection of Black History Month and mental health, it's important to recognize that historical and systemic factors can impact the mental well-being of Black individuals. In addition, it's essential to acknowledge the unique challenges and experiences that Black individuals may face in relation to their mental well-being. #blackhistorymonth #historical #trauma #mentalwellness  #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #creativementalwellness 

📌As a black woman, I've carried the weight of my past trauma and cultural norms for years. It wasn't until my mid-thirties that I took the courageous step to address my mental health challenges. 📌Our childhood experiences shape us, but sometimes they can hinder our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Talking about #therapy often meets resistance within our black communities. 🚫We fear being labelled weak or sensitive. Yet, many among us project their unexplored trauma and insecurities masked with superficial strength. 🤷🏾♀️Why? Because, sadly, black people are statistically less likely to seek help for mental health issues. The fear of judgement and misunderstanding keeps us silent. Through my work in the mental health field and as a coach, I've witnessed the pain that silence inflicts. Many individuals from black communities feel ashamed and embarrassed to talk about their mental health. 🚀One thing I have come to learn is there’s power in sharing stories. When we open up, we humanise our experiences, fostering compassion and understanding. For me, seeking therapy wasn't a way to erase my past; it was a means to empower my future. A means to change the trajectory of my life so that I am not passing on generational trauma to my children. 🎯So, dear black people, as we celebrate Black History, let's also celebrate our mental health and break the silence on our challenges. 🗣Let's break the stigma around mental health. Share your story or thoughts in the comments #worldmentalhealthday #mentalhealth #suicideprevention #blackmentalhealth

As we honor Black History Month, it is vital to acknowledge the significant influence of systemic inequity on mental health within the Black community.     Anton C. Bizzell M.D. states that “It is well documented that African Americans are more likely to experience or report persistent symptoms of emotional distress, sadness, fear, and anxiety due to ongoing bias in our country.”    Check out his article below and consider that together, we can work to dismantle stigma and advocate for equitable access to resources and care by amplifying Black voices, promoting culturally competent mental health services, and challenging systemic inequalities.  https://lnkd.in/eNhNHim

This #BlackHistoryMonth remember that the stories of Black Americans are more multi-dimensional than what you’ll find in history books, and that history is still being written. Read, watch, or experience something that increases your understanding. For Black Americans honoring this history may be healing, especially if you were raised in an environment where your identity wasn’t centered or the Black experience wasn’t appropriately acknowledged. Or because the history of Black people in the US contains so much injustice, focusing on it can bring up challenging emotions. Remember that all of these feelings are valid, and you can choose to engage (or not) with Black History celebrations however feels right to you. Interested in how mental health impacts the Black community? Check out our blog articles featuring the insights of Black Talkspace providers here: https://bit.ly/3ubAUX2

Since it's Black History month here’s some food for thought on our black men and their mental health as it's important to recognize the diversity within the black community, and that individual experiences with mental health can vary widely. Initiatives that are culturally competent, community-driven, and holistic in their approach are essential for supporting the mental health of black men and all members of the black community. Stigma surrounding mental health issues can be particularly strong in the black community. There may be a reluctance to seek help due to fears of being perceived as weak or "crazy." This stigma can be a barrier to accessing support and treatment. Cultural factors such as the strong emphasis on self-reliance can make it challenging for black men to openly discuss their mental health struggles. It's important to recognize that seeking help and expressing vulnerability are SIGNS OF STRENGTH, not weakness. Black men may face a range of social and economic inequalities that can contribute to mental health challenges. These can include experiences of racism, discrimination, and systemic barriers to education and employment. Other aspects of their identity, such as sexuality or gender identity, which may present additional complexities and challenges. Promoting mental health awareness and providing culturally sensitive mental health services are essential for addressing these issues. This includes training mental health professionals to be culturally competent and creating safe spaces for open discussions. Words of encouragement and creating a safe place for our loved ones goes a long way so always check on your father, brother, son, cousins, friends, friends-friend and colleagues. https://lnkd.in/e5wsHceC #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackMen #MentalHealth #BlackCommunity